[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 22 (Wednesday, March 2, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E337]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  TRIBUTE TO DERBY, CONNECTICUT'S CUB SCOUT PACK 3 AS THEY CELEBRATE 
                         THEIR 75TH ANNIVERSARY

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ROSA L. DeLAURO

                             of connecticut

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, March 2, 2005

  Ms. DeLAURO. Mr. Speaker, it gives me great pleasure to rise today to 
join the many alumni, families, and community members who have gathered 
today to celebrate the 75th anniversary of Derby, Connecticut's Cub 
Scout Pack 3. This is a tremendous milestone for this outstanding 
organization and I am honored to have this opportunity to recognize the 
many invaluable contributions they have made to our community.
  The legacy of Derby's Pack 3 begins with three Senior Patrol Leaders 
of Boy Scout Troop 3, who took on the challenge of creating a program 
for younger boys interested in Scouting. Because the Boy Scouts of 
America did not offer such a venue at the time, Manuel Pearson, Francis 
Barron, and Edmund Strang initially based their program on the English 
Cubbing program. Three years later, the Boy Scouts of America announced 
their intentions to adopt a new cubbing program and Pack 3 was 
officially registered as one of the country's first Cub groups. In 
fact, Cub Pack 3 has been recognized by the Boy Scouts of America as 
the Nation's third oldest continuously running pack.
  With participants ranging in age from eight to ten years old, the Cub 
Scouts program instills an invaluable life lesson in these youngsters--
the value in serving their communities--a lesson that they will 
certainly carry with them through their adult and professional lives. 
From food drives and fundraisers to fire safety training and community 
activities, they have a direct and positive impact on the lives of 
others and their community.
  It is not just the variety of programs and services these youngsters 
participate in throughout our community that makes Pack 3 so special. 
It is the scouting tradition that exists within the Pack itself. 
Generations of families have begun their scouting experience in Pack 3, 
with many alumni continuing to stay active in the Pack as adults by 
becoming committee members, webelos leaders, den leaders, and 
cubmasters. Just as an example, the eleven Pack 3 officers have an 
average thirty-three and a half years of service in cubbing. The 
dedication they have to this organization is a testament to the impact 
of their own Cub Scout experience.
  The strength and longevity of Pack 3 would not be possible without 
the incredible leadership they have had throughout the course of their 
history. Founder Ed Strang was only a junior in high school when he 
first took on the cubbing program as a Senior Patrol Leader. As soon as 
he was able, Ed became the cubmaster--a position which he held for the 
better part of sixty-four years. When he was no longer able, Ed turned 
the reins over to current cubmaster Dan Cyrul who was himself an Eagle 
Scout with Troop 3. Though Ed is no longer with us, his commitment, 
generosity, and compassionate spirit will always be reflected in the 
good work of Pack 3.
  Today, as they celebrate their 75th Anniversary, alumni and community 
members will reflect on what Cub Scout Pack 3 has brought to this 
community and their own lives. Touching the lives of thousands, Pack 3 
has left an indelible mark on the City of Derby and I have no doubt 
that this strong tradition will continue for generations to come. It is 
with great pride that I rise today to extend my sincere congratulations 
to Derby's Cub Scout Pack 3 on their 75th Anniversary and to extend my 
very best wishes for many more years of successful service to the 
community.

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